Updates, advisories and surprises

Republic Cos. quarterly profit falls (8:23 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- The Republic Cos. Group Inc.
RUTX
Thursday evening reported third-quarter net earnings of $4.3 million, down from $5.9 million last year. Revenue at the Dallas-based insurer was $68.5 million compared with $64.4 million a year ago. Net written premiums in the period totaled $73.4 million, up from $65.4 million.

TriPath Imaging sees 3Q earns 5c; lowers 2005 rev outlook (6:50 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- TriPath Imaging Inc.
TPTH
said after the closing bell on Thursday that it expects third-quarter earnings of 5 cents a share. The company also said it sees third-quarter revenue of $21.5 million, reflecting an increase in sales of the company's SurePath liquid-based Pap tests. Additionally, TriPath raised the lower end of its full-year 2005 earnings forecast by 2 cents, to a range of 15 cents to 17 cents a share. The company now expects 2005 revenue of $85 million to $88 million, down from its previous forecast of between $90 million and $94 million. Burlington, N.C.-based TriPath develops, manufactures and markets cancer detection and treatment solutions.

Sea Containers to restructure ferries division (6:40 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Sea Containers Ltd.
SCRASCRB
said Thursday evening it plans to restructure its ferries division in a move to reduce operating losses stemming, in part, from higher fuel prices. The company plans to entertain offers to sell Silja and SeaStreak, two of the three companies in the division, and sell some ships from the Silja operations. Sea Containers expects to take a restructuring charge of $157 million on a pre-tax basis, of which $19 million will be recorded in the third quarter. Silja will cut staff and officer workers in Finland, Sweden and Germany, including up to 150 shoreside jobs. Sea Containers also said its Hooverspeed subsidiary will stop operating a ferry route between Dover Calais in the English Channel starting next year.

CORRECT: ZipRealty quarterly profit rises; rev grows 61% (6:32 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- ZipRealty Inc.
ZIPR
late Thursday reported third-quarter net earnings of $2.85 million, or 11 cents a share, up from $1.25 million, or breakeven on a per-share basis, last year. Revenue at the Emeryville, Calif.-based company rose 61%, to $28.2 million from $17.6 million last year. The company revised its fourth-quarter revenue forecast to a range of $21 million to $23 million a share, and said it expects net earnings of 2 cents to 4 cents a share in the quarter. For 2006, ZipRealty forecast pre-tax income of 40 cents to 45 cents a share on revenue of $130 million to $135 million. (Corrects to reflect that company made financial forecast for 2006.)

Bausch & Lomb delays filing of 3Q 10-Q over internal probe (6:23 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Bausch & Lomb Inc.
BOL
late Thursday said it has notified the Securities and Exchange Commission that it will delay the filing of its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter. The Rochester, N.Y.-based company said the delay was caused by an investigation being conducted by its audit committee into allegations of misconduct by the management of its Brazilian unit, BL Industria Otica Ltda.

Aon quarterly profit misses forecasts; plans 1,400 job cuts (6:20 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Aon Corp.
AOC
reported third-quarter earnings late Thursday that fell short of analyst expectations as the world's second-largest insurance broker unveiled plans to cut 1,400 jobs. Net income came in at $122 million, or 36 cents a share, unchanged from the same period a year earlier, the company said. Excluding restructuring expenses and discontinued operations, Aon said it earned 43 cents a share in the third quarter. That was 2 cents shy of the average estimate of nine analysts in a Thomson First Call survey. Aon also disclosed more information about its previously announced reorganization. The plan will cost about $250 million, before taxes and generate annual savings of roughly $150 million by 2008, the company said. An estimated 1,400 jobs will be cut by 2007, including 750 positions in the U.K., Aon added.

Pepco quarterly earnings rise 53.2%; revenue surges (5:51 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Pepco Holdings Inc.
POM
after the closing bell on Thursday reported third-quarter net earnings of $170.1 million, or 90 cents a share, vs. $111 million, or 64 cents a share, during the same period a year ago. Earnings excluding special items were 73 cents a share for the quarter. The Washington-based utility operator posted revenue of $2.49 billion vs. $2.05 billion. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had forecast third-quarter earnings of 70 cents a share.

Isle of Capri sees quarterly loss 3c-7c from Katrina, Rita (5:42 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.
ISLE
after Thursday's closing bell forecast a second-quarter loss of 3 cents to 7 cents a share, citing the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Analysts were expecting the Biloxi, Miss.-based company to report a loss of 4 cents a share, according to Thomson Financial. The company said it doesn't expect the effect of the storms to result in any debt covenant or liquidity issues. Isle of Capri also said its Pompano Park Harness Track in Florida remains closed for repairs sustained during Hurricane Wilma.

Angiotech Pharma quarterly profit falls 40%; rev higher (5:22 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Inc.
ANPI
(CA:ANP)after Thursday's closing bell reported third-quarter net earnings of $15.9 million, or 19 cents a share, compared with $26.6 million, or 31 cents a share, a year ago. The company cited, in part, an increase in income tax expense for the lower quarterly profit. Adjusted earnings for the period were $16.8 million, or 20 cents a share. Revenue rose 12% to $49.4 million from $44.3 million a year ago.

Alkermes swings to quarterly profit; rev surges (5:11 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Alkermes Inc.
ALKS
after Thursday's closing bell reported second-quarter net earnings of $11.8 million, or 12 cents a share. In the same period last year, the Cambridge, Mass.-based pharmaceutical company reported a net loss of $14.9 million, or 16 cents a share. Revenue soared to $46.7 million from $18 million a year ago.

Open Text quarterly loss widens (5:08 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Open Text Corp.
OTEX
(CA:OTC)after Thursday's closing bell reported a fiscal first-quarter net loss of $12.9 million, or 27 cents a share, compared with a loss of $986,000, or 2 cents a share, a year ago. Adjusted earnings were $6.3 million, or 13 cents a share. Revenue rose to $92.6 million from $85.6 million last year. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call were expecting a per-share profit of 9 cents on revenue of $90 million. The software maker forecast second-quarter adjusted earnings of 21 cents to 32 cents on revenue of $103 million to $113 million. Open Text also recognized $18.1 million from a previously announced pre-tax restructuring charge of $25 million to $30 million this quarter, and said it plans to record the remainder during the second quarter.

Hartford 3Q net rises 9%; operating profit tops estimates (4:59 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Hartford Financial Services
HIG
reported a 9% increase in third-quarter net income late Wednesday as the insurer avoided big hurricane losses. Net income came in at $539 million, or $1.76 a share, vs. $494 million, or $1.66 a share, a year earlier, the company said. Operating profit, which excludes net realized investment gains and losses and other non-recurring items, was $560 million, or $1.82 a share, up 20% from the same period in 2004, Hartford added. The insurer was expected to earn $1.52 a share, according to the average estimate of 22 analysts in a Thomson First Call survey. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita cost the company $130 million after tax.

Boyd earnings slip but revenue gains (4:57 PM ET) CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Boyd Gaming earned $32.9 million, or 37 cents a share, in the third quarter, down from the $35.6 million and 41 cents it earned in the year-ago period. On an adjusted basis, Boyd said it would have earned 57 cents per share -- ahead of the average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call. Revenue came in at $537 million, up 2.7% but below the Wall Street expectation of $542 million. Shares of Boyd
BYD
ended the day up 1.8% at $43.17.

Disney plans to start expensing stock options (4:52 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Walt Disney Co.
DIS
plans to begin expensing employee stock options, according to a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Thursday. The media giant said its full-year 2005 results will be reported as though the options had been expensed starting with the beginning of the fiscal year. Disney expects the after-tax stock option expense for fiscal 2005 to be 8 cents a share, of which 2 cents a share relates to the fourth quarter. The company will also record a deferred tax asset related to the fiscal 2005 income tax benefit.

Agile Software sees swing to quarterly loss (4:44 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Agile Software Corp.
AGIL
after Thursday's closing bell forecast a second-quarter net loss of 7 cents to 8 cents a share on revenue of $31 million to $32 million. It also sees a pro forma loss of 3 cents to 4 cents a share. San Jose, Calif.-based Agile also forecast software license revenue of $10 million for the period. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call currently expect revenue of $35 million and earnings to break even on a per-share basis.

Aeroflex quarterly earnings fall 19.4%; revenue rises (4:43 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Aeroflex Inc.
ARXX
after the closing bell on Thursday reported fiscal first-quarter net earnings of $4.53 million, or 6 cents a share, vs. $5.62 million, or 7 cents a share, during the same period a year ago. Pro forma earnings were 11 cents a share for the quarter, and pro forma earnings from continuing operations were 12 cents a share for the period. The Plainview, N.Y.-based defense and broadband microelectronics maker posted revenue of $125.6 million vs. $109.2 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had forecast fiscal first-quarter earnings of 9 cents a share on revenue of $122 million. Looking ahead, Aeroflex said it sees fiscal second-quarter earnings of 9 cents a share on revenue of $132 million to $134 million. The company also said it expects pro forma earnings from continuing operations of 13 cents a share for the period.

Red Robin quarerly profit falls 8.8%; rev rises (4:38 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc.
RRGB
after Thursday's closing bell reported third-quarter net earnings of $6.47 million, or 39 cents a share, down 8.8% from $7.1 million, or 43 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue at the Greenwood Village, Colo.-based restaurant chain rose to $111 million from $95.4 million last year, and same-store sales at company stores rose 2.1%. Red Robin sees fourth-quarter earnings of 40 cents to 41 cents a share on revenue of $118 million to $119.5 million, and expects comp sales to rise 3% to 4%. For 2005, Red Robin revised its earnings forecast to a range of $1.71 to $1.73 a share on revenue of $487.5 million to $489 million. It had previously said it expected earnings of $1.69 to $1.72 and revenue in a range of $487 million to $489 million.

Audible swings to loss for third quarter (4:37 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Audible Inc.
ADBL
said late Thursday it swung to a loss for the third quarter. Audible's net loss after taxes for the quarter came in at $189,000 million, or 1 penny a share, compared to a profit of $484,000, or 2 cents a share, for last year. Revenue for the period was $16.8 million compared to $9.3 million last year. The company's loss from continuing operation was $793,000. New customers grew 75% to 79,800. Analysts expected the Wayne, NJ-based company to post a loss of 1 penny a share on revenue of $16.8 million, according to consensus estimates from Thomson First Call. Shares of the digital spoken-audio provider rose as much as 10% in after hours trades.

Gemstar swings to gain, but revenue dips (4:33 PM ET) LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc.
GMST
on Thursday reported third-quarter net income of $51 million, or 12 cents a share, reversing last year's loss of $98.3 million, or 23 cents a share. Revenue for the media firm was $171.6 million vs. last year's $174 million. The company reported an operating loss of $4 million, or less than a penny a share. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call, though, expected Gemstar to report a loss of 5 cents a share for the quarter. Gemstar reported earnings after the close Thursday, and had ended the session slightly up.

Ameristar profit slips but revenue rises 10.6% (4:30 PM ET) CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Ameristar Casinos earned $16.1 million, or 28 cents a share, in the third quarter. That is down slightly from the $16.6 million or 30 cents of the year-ago period but 2 cents ahead of the average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call. Revenue came in at $238.6 million, up 10.6% and ahead of the Wall Street expectation for $234 million. The company also bumped up its fourth-quarter profit outlook to a range of 24 cents to 26 cents a share versus an analyst view of 21 cents. Shares of Ameristar
ASCA
ended the day down 13 cents at $21.77.

Computer Sciences profit falls 24% as charge weighs (4:26 PM ET) LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Computer Sciences Corp.
CSC
late Thursday said its quarterly profit fell 24% as it booked a noncash charge related to a contract with Nortel Networks Corp.
NT
The company said its fiscal second-quarter profit declined to $99.5 million, or 53 cents a share, from $130.5 million, or 68 cents a share, a year earlier. The company booked a charge of $33.1 million, or 18 cents a share, to write down the contract. Excluding the charge, the company would have earned 71 cents a share from continuing operations, up from 56 cents a share a year ago. Revenue for the three-month period rose 5.3% to $3.57 billion from $3.39 billion. Wall Street analysts, on average, expected the El Segundo, Calif.-based tech-services giant to post a profit of 67 cents a share on revenue of $3.63 billion, according to a Thomson First Call survey.

UPDATE: Atari loss widens in second quarter (4:25 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Atari Inc.
ATAR
reported a second fiscal quarter loss that widened from last year. Losses for the quarter came in at $25.2 million, or 20 cents a share, compared to a loss of $16.9 million, or 14 cents a share, for last year. Revenue for the period was $38.4 million compared to $68 million last year. Excluding restructuring charges and losses from discontinued operations, the loss for the quarter would have been $22.3 million, or 18 cents a share. Analysts were expecting the New York-based video game publisher to report a loss of 18 cents a share on revenue of $30.5 million, according to consensus estimates from Thomson First Call. (Adds pro forma earnings results).

UTStarcom loses nearly $403 million in third quarter (4:22 PM ET) WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- UTStarcom Inc.
UTSI
on Thursday posted a large third-quarter loss as the company wrote down the value of assets and struggled with declining revenue. Alameda, Calif.-based UTStarcom said it lost $402.7 million, or $3.40 a share. That compared with net income of $4.9 million, or 4 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter. Sales fell slightly to $635.3 million from $645.0 million a year ago. Excluding $341.4 million in one-time costs, the company lost 51 cents a share. UTStarcom was expected to lose 70 cents a share on revenue of $627 million, according to the consensus of analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call. Earlier this month, UTStarcom cuts its forecast, citing a delay in the recognition of revenue related to a contract with Softbank of Japan. Looking ahead, UTStarcom forecast fourth-quarter revenue of $650 million to $680 million, well below Wall Street's average estimate of $760 million. The company expects to lose 45 cents to 55 cents a share, including onetime gains and expenses.

Molina Healthcare income drops, lifts outlook (4:21 PM ET) LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Molina Healthcare
MOH
on Thursday reported third-quarter net income of $6.8 million, or 24 cents a share, for the period ended Sept. 30, compared with $16.4 million, or 59 cents a share a year ago. Revenue was $428.6 million vs. last year's $330.8 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expected the company to earn 15 cents a share for the quarter. Molina lifted its outlook for fiscal 2005 to a range of 75 cents to 82 cents a share. The First Call forecast is for 75 cents a share. Molina reported after the close, and ending trading Thursday up 2%.

Oil, industrial ops lift Fluor quarterly results (4:20 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Fluor Corp.
FLR
on Thursday posted higher third-quarter earnings and sales as the company's oil and gas and industrial and infrastructure divisions posted signficantly higher results. The Aliso Viejo, Calif.-based company's net earnings totaled $131.2 million, or $1.51 a share, up from $47.3 million, or 57 cents a share, last year. Quarterly revenue reached $3.42 billion, up from $2.36 billion last year. Analysts expected a consensus profit of 80 cents a share, according to Thomson First Call, with revenue expected at $3.05 billion. Fluor raised its 2005 profit range to $2.40 to $2.60 a share and said it expects 2006 earnings in range of $2.80 to $3.10 a share.

Sanmina-SCI fourth-quarter profit nearly triples (4:09 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Sanmina-SCI Corp.
SANM
on Thursday reported a fourth-quarter profit of $15.1 million, or 3 cents a share, up from the $5.3 million, or a penny a share the company earned a year ago. However, revenue fell to $2.77 billion, from $3.3 billion. Excluding one-time items, the electronics contract manufacturer would have earned $31.3 million, or 6 cents a share. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had forecast Sanmina to earn 5 cents a share, on $2.73 billion in revenue.

Everlast Worldwide swings to quarterly profit; revenue rises (1:07 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Everlast Worldwide Inc.
EVST
on Thursday reported third-quarter net earnings of $175,000, or 4 cents a share. During the same period a year ago, Everlast posted a net loss of $249,000, or 8 cents a share. The New York-based sporting goods maker reported revenue of $12.6 million vs. $11.1 million.

First Marblehead down 24% on student loan contract change (12:31 PM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- First Marblehead
FMD
shares fell 24% to $24.55 after the company said Bank of America
BAC
notified the company it will avoid automatic annual renewal of its direct-to-consumer private student loan origination and securitization services. BofA's DTC business accounted for an estimated $225 million or about 8% of First Marblehead's volume and 11% of its service revenue, according to a note from Bear Stearns. "We would expect renegotiation by BofA and other large lenders to have a negative impact on future years," Bear Stearns said. "We believe from speaking with (First Marblehead) management that BofA is still interested in working with the company."

S&P: S&P 500 3Q operating earnings up 12.3% over yr ago (12:13 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Standard & Poor's
MHP
said on Thursday that operating earnings in the S&P 500 index rose 12.3% in the third quarter, over the same period a year ago. Prior to the hurricane season, S&P had expected a 17% gain in operating earnings for the S&P 500. S&P said it expects operating gains at the index to grow at a double-digit rate in both the fourth quarter and the first quarter of 2006, resulting in 16 consecutive quarters of double-digit gains.

Prudential rises 5% after quarterly profit tops estimates (10:08 AM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Prudential Financial
PRU
climbed 5% on Thursday after the life insurance and annuity company reported better-than-expected third-quarter earnings. Net income jumped to $1.32 billion, or $2.59 per share, from $548 million, or $1.08 a share, a year earlier, Prudential said late Wednesday. Operating earnings, which exclude realized investment gains and losses and other non-recurring items, came in at $737 million, or $1.46 per share. Prudential was forecast to make $1.16 per share in the period, according to a survey of 18 analysts by Thomson First Call. The company said it expects to report full-year adjusted operating income of $4.85 to $4.95 per share. That forecast was higher than the average $4.66 per share estimate of 19 analysts in a Thomson First Call survey. Prudential shares advanced $3.84 to $75.63 in morning trading on Thursday.

Montpelier Re slumps 24% after big quarterly hurricane loss (10:01 AM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Montpelier Re Holdings
MRH
shares slumped 24% on Thursday after the Bermuda-based reinsurer reported big third-quarter hurricane losses. The company disclosed a net loss of $875.1 million, or $12.16 a share, late Wednesday and said hurricanes and other catastrophes in the period cost it a net $972 million. Katrina alone generated losses of $809 million, up from a previous estimate of $450 million to $675 million, Montpelier said. The company based its original Katrina loss forecast on a total industry hit of $30 billion to $40 billion, but now expects Katrina to cost the industry about $50 billion. Montpelier Chief Executive Anthony Taylor said the reinsurer was "very disappointed" with the losses and was taking steps to reduce its exposure to very large events like Katrina. Montpelier Re shares fell $5.04 to $16.44 in morning trading. More than 2.5 million shares changed hands in the first half hour of trading.

Advance Auto Parts profit jumps 18%; shares rally (10:00 AM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Advance Auto Parts
AAP
shares rose Thursday almost 5% to $40.47 after the auto parts and battery retailer posted an 18% jump in third-quarter profit. Sales rose almost 15% to $1.02 billion and the company grew its total store count by 121 stores. The company said it expects fourth-quarter earnings to grow between 14% to 24%.

Graftech sees FY05 earns before items of 43-45c (9:32 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Graftech International Ltd.
GTI
Thursday reported third-quarter earnings of $16 million, or 15 cents a share, up from a year-ago loss of $10 million, or 10 cents a share. On an adjusted basis, excluding items, the company earned $12 million, or 11 cents a share, in the September period. Sales rose in the latest three months to $209 million from $206 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 9 cents a share in the September period. Looking ahead, Graftech forecast earnings before items of 43 to 45 cents a share for the full year.

Broadwing narrows loss to 41 cents vs. loss of 69 cents (9:28 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Broadwing Corp.
BWNG
said Thursday that third-quarter losses narrowed to $30.5 million, or 41 cents a share. A year ago Broadwing lost $36.8 million, or 69 cents a share. Revenue grew 34% in the period to $218.7 million. The smaller loss was primarily due to "higher gross profit and lower R&D, restructuring, and interest expenses, partially offset by increased depreciation expense related to assets acquired in the Focal acquisition," the company said in a statement. The average loss estimate by analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a loss of 48 cents a share. The optical network provider's shares fell 11 cents a share to $6.24 Wednesday.

Wynn Resorts loss narrows but misses Street view (9:24 AM ET) CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Wynn Resorts lost $14.2 million, or 14 cents, in the third quarter -- down from the $22.7 million, or 26 cents, it lost in the year-ago period, Adjusted to exclude various one-time charges, the casino operator lost $1 million, or a penny a share, versus the 10-cents-a-share average profit estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call. Revenue came in at $251.4 million, also below Wall Street estimates. Shares of Wynn
WYNN
ended the Wednesday session up 6% at $49.66.

Maritrans profit nearly doubles (9:01 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - Maritrans Inc.
TUG
said third-quarter net income rose to $6.1 million, or 71 cents a share, compared with $3.5 million, or 41 cents a share, in the year-ago period. The oil tanker and tug and barge operator said late Wednesday that revenue rose to $44.9 million from $38.3 million. The shares fell 16 cents Wednesday to $29.02.

CORRECT: Assurant net income improves 34% (8:53 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch -- Insurance provider Assurant
AIZ
reported a 34% increase in third quarter net income to $100.3 million, or 74 cents a share. A year ago, the company earned $74.8 million, or 53 cents a share. Minus one-time items, Assurant would have earned $125.6 million, or 92 cents a share, up 71% from the third quarter of 2004.

Servicemaster earnings top estimates (8:51 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - Servicemaster Co.
SVM
reported third-quarter net income of $81.6 million, or 27 cents a share, compared with $67.7 million, or 23 cents a share in the year-ago period. Revenue rose more than 7% to $1.13 billion from $1.05 billion. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call forecast earnings, on average, of 25 cents a share and sales of $1.13 billion. The Downers Grove, Ill.-based company said its annual revenue growth rate would be in the "mid to high single digit range" with earnings growing "somewhat faster" than revenue. The shares gained 2 cents to $12.58 Wednesday.

Clorox profit matches estimate; affirms outlook (8:51 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Clorox Co.
CLX
said Thursday that first-quarter net income fell to $109 million, or 71 cents a share, from $123 million, or 57 cents, a year ago. Earnings from continuing operations came to 70 cents a share, which matched analysts' average estimate, according to Thomson First Call. Sales for the three months ended Sept. 30 rose to $1.1 billion from $1.05 billion in last year's first quarter. For fiscal 2006, the Oakland-based consumer products company affirmed its outlook for adjusted earnings of $2.91 to $3.06 a share. Analysts' estimate stands at $2.96 a share. The company's stock closed Wednesday at $54.09, up 28 cents.

Frontier Oil earns $1.91 vs. 43 cents (8:50 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Frontier Oil Corp. on Thursday reported its most-profitable quarter ever with earnings of $109.2 million, or $1.91 a share, compared to $23.8 million, or 43 cents a share in the same period a year ago. Revenue grew to $2.85 billion, compared with $2.06 billion a year ago. Frontier said "outstanding" diesel and gasoline crack spreads, wide crude oil differentials and improved refinery utilization fueled results despite outages from hurricanes. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for earnings of $1.57 in the quarter. Shares in the Houston-based refiner rose $1.31 to $38.04 on Wednesday

CAE reports a 39 increase in profit (8:48 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- CAE, a provider of flight simulators to the airline industry, reported a fiscal second-quarter profit of C$17.8 million, or 7 cents a share, compared with earnings of C$12.8 million, or 5 cents a share, in the yaer ago period. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expected the company to earn 6 cents a share, on average.

McData Corp. trims 3Q estimate (8:47 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- McData Corp.
MCDT
on Thursday reduced its third-quarter estimate to a loss of 1 cent a share to earnings of 1 cent a share. A survey of analysts by Thomson First Call forecast earnings of 3 cents a share. "The company saw lower than expected results within both products and services," McData said. Shares of the Broomfield, Colo. firm fell 20 cents to $3.90 on Wednesday.

Williams Cos. net income falls; raises 2005 profit outlook (8:47 AM ET) WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Williams Cos.
WMB
on Thursday reported a drop in third-quarter net income to $4.4 million, or 1 cent a share, versus $98.6 million, or 19 cents a share, for the same period a year ago due to losses at its power unit. Excluding the effect of accounting for the value of certain positions, earnings would have been $125.3 million, or 22 cents a share. The average analysts' estimate was for earnings of 25 cents a share, according to Thomson First Call. Higher natural gas prices led Williams to raise its earnings outlook for 2005, 2006 and 2007. The company raised its 2005 adjusted earnings forecast to a range of 84 to 94 cents a share, up from 70 to 90 cents a share.

Calpine swings to a loss (8:46 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - Calpine Corp.
CPN
Thursday said it had a third-quarter loss of $216.7 million, or 45 cents a share, contrasting with year-earlier net income of $141.1 million, or 32 cents a share, noting a number of non-operating profit pressures. On an adjusted basis, the loss in the recent quarter equates to 17 cents a share. The Thomson First Call average analysts' estimate was for a loss of 4 cents a share. Revenue rose 36% to $3.3 billion. On Wednesday the utility's stock rose 3% to $2.38.

Family Dollar Oct same-store sales up 3.1% (8:45 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Family Dollar Stores
FDO
said same-store sales climbed 3.1% in October from the year earlier period. The retailer is now expecting November same-store sales to rise 2% to 4%. Shares closed Wednesday up 50 cents at $22.38.

Plains reports a quarterly loss (8:43 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Plains Exploration & Production Co.
PXP
reported a third-quarter loss Thursday because of declines in the fair value of derivatives tied to the rise in oil prices during the quarter. Plains said it lost $31.8 million, or 41 cents a share, narrower than a loss of $47.9 million, or 62 cents a share, reported a year ago. Minus the derivatives losses, Plains would have earned $28.3 million, or 36 cents a share. Analysts were looking for 37 cents a share, on average, according to a Thomson First Call poll.

Foot Locker same-store sales rise 2.7% (8:41 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Foot Locker Inc.
FL
said Thursday that third-quarter same-store sales, or sales from stores open at least a year, rose 2.7% Total sales for the three months ended Oct. 29 increased to $1.41 billion from $1.37 billion in last year's third quarter. Third-quarter earnings from continuing operations are forecast at 39 to 41 cents a share, which includes charges of 3 cents a share for Hurricane Katrina and other items. Shares of the new York-based athletic footwear and apparel retailer closed Wednesday at $19.20, up 20 cents.

Pioneer Natural 3Q earns $124M vs $81M (8:41 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Pioneer Natural Resources Co.
PXD
Thursday reported third-quarter earnings of $124 million, or 88 cents a share, down from a year-ago profit of $81 million, or 67 cents a share. On a continuing operations basis, the company earned $105 million, or 74 cents a share, in the latest period. Revenue rose in the latest three months to $568.2 million from $427 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 72 cents a share in the September quarter. Looking ahead, the Dallas-based oil and gas exploration company expects production to average 160,000 to 170,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the fourth quarter. The stock closed Wednesday at $51.23, up 1.6%.

Berry Petroleum revenue rises 50%, earnings in line (8:39 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - Berry Petroleum Corp.
BRY
reported third-quarter net income Thursday of $34.2 million, or $1.52 a share, matching the average analyst estimate from Thomson First Call, and above the $18.2 million, or 82 cents a share earned in the year-ago period. Revenue at the Bakersfield, Calif., oil and gas exploration company rose to $109.9 million from $72.9 million, an increase of more than 50%. The stock rose $1.25 to $62 on Wednesday.

Dollar General October same-store sales up 0.4% (8:36 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Dollar General Corp.
DG
Thursday said same-store sales edged 0.4% higher in October. Total sales for the four weeks ended Oct. 29 to $639.9 million from $591 million in the same period a year earlier. The stock closed Wednesday at $19.71, up 31 cents.

Target Corp. same-store sales up 5.7% in October (8:34 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Target Corp.
TGT
on Thursday reported a 5.7% increase in same-store sales, ahead of the company's forecast of 3%-%5. Third-quarter same-store sales rose 5.9%. Total sales increased 11.6% to $3.7 billion. Separately, the company confirmed it will receive at least $27 million as its ultimate share of proceeds from the $3 billion Visa/MasterCard antitrust litigation settlement. Shares rose $1.67 to $56.97 on Wednesday.

TJX same-store sales fall 2%; cuts outlook (8:33 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- TJX Cos.
TJX
said Thursday that October same-store sales, or sales from stores open at least a year, fell 2%. Total sales for the four weeks ended Oct. 29 rose 4% to $1.32 billion from $1.27 billion a year earlier. Sales that fell short of the company's expectations led it to cut its third-quarter earnings forecast to about 34 cents a share, down from its prior outlook for 36 to 38 cents. Analysts average estimate stands at 37 cents, according to Thomson First Call. Shares of the Framingham, Mass.-based discount retailer closed Wednesday at $22.12, up 60 cents.

Alpha Natural Resources net rises on strong coal prices (8:30 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - Alpha Natural Resources Inc.
ANR
Thursday said it had third-quarter net income of $8.2 million, or 13 cents a share, up from $5.4, or 37 cents a share, a year before, citing stronger prices for coal. The Thomson First Call average analysts' estimate was for earnings of 31 cents a share. The latest quarter's results include special charges of 4 cents a share. The company said that if its initial public offering and related events had taken place on Jan. 1, 2004, third-quarter 2004 net income would have been $8.6 million, or 14 cents a share. Revenue rose to $397.7 million from $341.7 million. On Wednesday the company's stock rose 3.1% to $24.75.

CVS Q3 earnings rise 37%; Oct. same-store sales up 5.6% (8:28 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- CVS Corp.
CVS
said Thursday that earnings in the third quarter rose 37% to $252.7 million or 30 cents a share, compared to $184.6 million, or 22 cents in the year-ago period. CVS opened 39 new stores, closed 17 stores and relocated 30 others in the quarter. The Woonsocket, R.I. pharmacy retailer's sales rose 7.8% to $2.8 billion. Same-store sales in October climbed 5.6%. Hurricane Wilma caused the closure of over 200 stores and prolonged power outages in others. Same-store sales exclude 18 stores closed seven or more consecutive days from the impact of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Same-store sales include stores operating without power as a result of the hurricanes. Shares rose 11 cents Wednesday to $24.49.

M-Systems net doubles, earnings and sales view lifted (8:27 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - M-Systems
FLSH
reported third-quarter net income Thursday of $13.9 million, or 34 cents a share, compared with $6.1 million, or 16 cents a share in the year-earlier period. Revenue rose to $132.6 million from $85.8 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call forecast earnings, on average, of 27 cents a share and sales of $117.8 million. The flash data storage maker lifted its 2005 revenue and earnings estimates to at least $490 million and $1.08 a share, above previous views of $450 million in sales and earnings of $1 a share. The shares gained 54 cents to $32.87 Wednesday.

Abgenix rockets on Phase 3 study results (8:25 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Abgenix
ABGX
shares jumped 35% to $12.70 in pre-market trades Thursday after the company reported a Phase 3 study on panitumumab with Amgen
AMGN
The Thousand Oaks, Calif. company said the results, "met the primary endpoint of improving progression-free survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who had failed standard chemotherapy." The completed submission of the Biologics License Application to the Food and Drug Administration is expected in the first quarter of 2006.

Revlon posts narrower loss (8:24 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Revlon Inc.
REV
said Thursday that its third-quarter loss narrowed to $65.4 million, or 18 cents a share, from $91.6 million, or 25 cents, a year ago. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call were looking for a loss, on average, of 15 cents a share. Sales for the three months ended Sept. 30 fell to $275.3 million from $294.4 million in last year's third quarter. Shares of the New York-based cosmetics and personal goods company closed Wednesday at $2.87, up 9 cents.

Cato lifts 3Q earnings estimate to 11-12c (8:21 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Cato Corp.
CTR
Thursday said its same-store sales rose 9% in October. Total sales increased 14% in the four weeks ended Oct. 29 to $60.3 million from $52.9 million in the same period a year earlier. Looking ahead, the Charlotte, N.C., women's fashion apparel retailer sees earnings of 11 to 12 cents a share for the third quarter, up from a prior projection for a profit of 6 to 8 cents a share. The stock closed Wednesday at $20.90, up 3.7%.

Sabre Holdings earns top expectations, outlook falls short (8:20 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Sabre Holdings
TSG
reported third-quarter earnings of $58.5 million, or 45 cents a share, down from $67.4 million, or 49 cents a share in the same period a year ago. Excluding non-recurring items, earnings would have been 50 cents a share, vs. the average analyst estimate compiled by Thomson First Call of 47 cents. Revenue rose to $699.7 million from last year's $544.4 million, topping analyst forecasts of $688.5 million. The travel services company expects adjusted fourth-quarter earnings of 16 to 19 cents a share, below analyst projections of 22 cents, while revenue is expected to be $619 million to $638 million, vs. analyst forecasts of $598 million. The stock closed Wednesday up 29 cents at $20.

DirectTV swings to a third-quarter gain (8:18 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The DirecTV Group Inc.
DTV
on Thursday reported third-quarter net income of $95 million, or 7 cents a share, compared to a net loss of $1 billion or 73 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Operating profit was $156 million vs. a loss of $1.55 billion. Revenue rose to $3.23 billion from $2.9 billion. "The more than doubling of DirecTV U.S. operating profit before depreciation and amortization to $338 million in the quarter provides us with another data point showing (our) substantial profit-generating potential," the company said. A survey of analysts by Thomson First Call forecast earnings of 5 cents a share and revenue of $3.27 billion. Shares rose 31 cents to $14.56 on Wednesday.

Trinity Industries profit soars (8:18 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - Trinity Industries Inc.
TRN
said third-quarter net income rose to $33.1 million, or 65 cents a share, compared with $900,000, or break-even results a share. Revenue rose 31% in the three months ended Sept. 30 to $742.5 million from $567.2 million, the rail car and barge manufacturer said late Wednesday. Four analysts polled by Thomson First Call forecast earnings, on average, of 53 cents a share. The shares gained 21 cents Wednesday to $38.11.

Idacorp profit falls, revenue gains (8:18 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Idacorp Inc.
IDA
said Thursday that third-quarter profit fell to $23.6 million, or 56 cents a share, from $26.1 million, or 68 cents, a year ago. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call, were looking for earnings, on average, of 53 cents a share. Total revenue for the three months ended Sept. 30 rose to $249.1 million from $246.7 million in last year's third quarter. Shares of the Boise, Idaho-based power company closed Wednesday at $29.55, up 69 cents.

Centerpoint Energy swings to profit, meets expectations (8:16 AM ET) WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Centerpoint Energy Inc.
CNP
said Thursday it swung to a third-quarter profit, posting net income of $50 million, or 15 cents a share. In the same quarter a year earlier, the Houston-based power provider reported a net loss of $1.1 billion, or $3.66 a share. The Thomson First Call analysts' estimate was for a profit of 15 cents a share. Revenue for the three months ended Sept. 30 rose roughly 33% to $2.22 billion from $1.67 billion in the same period a year ago.

Tesoro Pete 3Q earns $226M vs $65M (8:14 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Tesoro Petroleum
TSO
Thursday reported third-quarter earnings of $226 million, or $3.20 a share, up from a year-ago profit of $65 million, or 93 cents a share. The latest results include a charge of $5.6 million, or 8 cents a share, related to insurance premium surcharges. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of $3.17 a share in the September period. The company also said its board has approved the buyback of up to $200 million worth of common stock. The shares closed Wednesday at $61.65, up 2.8%.

Gap Inc. same-store sales fall 5% (8:12 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Gap Inc.
GAP
said Thursday that October same-store sales, or sales from stores open at least a year, fell 5%. Total sales for the four weeks ended Oct. 29 declined 2%. The San Francisco-based retailer forecast third-quarter earnings of 23 to 24 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call are looking for earnings , on average, of 24 cents a share. The company's stock closed Wednesday at $17, down 11 cents.

Jacobs Engineering profit rises, pegs 2006 growth at 15% (8:11 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - Engineering and construction services company Jacobs Engineering Group
JEC
said fourth-quarter net income rose to $42.8 million, or 72 cents a share, compared with $30.5 million, or 53 cents a share in the year earlier period. Revenue rose 25% to $1.52 billion from $1.22 billion in the three months to Sept. 30, the company said late Wednesday. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call forecast earnings, on average, of 71 cents a share and revenue of $1.46 billion. Earnings in 2006 will be about 15%, the company added. Shares of Jacobs gained 99 cents to $63.99 Wednesday.

Retail Ventures October same-store sales up 6.7% (8:10 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Retail Ventures Inc.
RVI
Thursday said same-store sales rose 6.7% in October. Total sales for the four weeks ended Oct. 29 jumped 12.4% to $260.6 million from $231.8 million in the same period a year earlier. Shares of the Columbus, Ohio-based off-price retailer closed Wednesday at $10.70, up 1.9%.

Rockwell Automation earns 70 cents vs. 78 cents (8:09 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Rockwell Automation Inc.
ROK
said Thursday that earnings in its fourth quarter slipped to $129.3 million, or 70 cents a share versus $148 million, or 78 cents a share, in the same period a year ago. Adjusted earnings for the period were 69 cents. Sales in the quarter were $1.3 billion, up 11%. Currency translation accounted for 2% of the growth. The average of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for per-share earnings of 69 cents for the quarter. For 2006, Thomson's average estimate was $3.05 a share. Rockwell said it sees 2006 profit at $3.00 to $3.10 and revenue rising 7% to 9%. In Wednesday trading, Rockwell shares rose $1.44 to 54.12.

WPS Resources earns rise on strong unregulated unit results (8:06 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - WPS Resources Corp.
WPS
Thursday said its third-quarter earnings rose to $48.2 million, or $1.25 a share, from $24.8 million, or 93 cents a share, a year before, citing improvements in the utility's unregulated segments. Revenue rose to $1.76 billion from $1.09 billion. The utility forecast 2005 earnings of $4.02 to $4.13 a share, assuming normal weather for the rest of the year. On Wednesday the company's stock rose 38 cents to $54.53.

Bon-Ton cuts forecast on weak sales (8:03 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Bon-Ton Stores Inc.
BONT
said Thursday that weak sales led it to cut its fiscal 2005 outlook to $1.50 to $1.60 a share. October same-store sales, or sales from stores open at least a year, fell 2.2%. Total sales for the four weeks ended Oct. 29 also fell 2.2%. Shares of the York, Penn.-based retailer closed Wednesday at $20.10, up 30 cents.

Ann Taylor affirms 2005 view; Oct same-store sales up 1.2% (8:00 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Ann Taylor Stores Corp.
ANN
reaffirmed its fiscal 2005 profit outlook as the women's apparel retailer posted a 1.2% rise in same-store sales for October over year-ago levels. By division, Ann Taylor same-store sale climbed 2.2% while same-store sales for Ann Taylor Loft chain shot up 13.1% compared with the same period a year ago. Total sales for the month increased 11.7% to $175.9 million. CEO Kay Krill said she remains comfortable with the company's current forecast of earnings of $1.17 a share for fiscal 2005, based its sales and margins performance to date. The Thomson First Call average estimate is for earnings of $1.12 a share. On Wednesday, the stock rose 90 cents to $25.20.

Superior Energy Industries sees 3Q earns 20-22c (7:56 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Superior Energy Industries
SPN
Thursday reported third-quarter earnings of $9.4 million, or 12 cents a share, down from a year-ago profit of $11.3 million, or 15 cents a share. Revenue rose in the latest three months to $184.1 million from $152.5 million in the same period a year earlier. Excluding charges, the Broussard, La., provider of oilfield services earned $11.4 million, or 14 cents a share, in the September period. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 14 cents a share in the quarter. Looking ahead, Superior sees earnings of 20 to 22 cents a share for the third quarter. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for a profit of 23 cents a share in the December period. The stock closed Wednesday at $21.69, up 4%.

Corrections Corp. profit rises, 2005 outlook in-line (7:55 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - Corrections Corp. of America
CXW
reported net income Thursday of $20.8 million, or 52 cents a share, compared with $17 million, or 43 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue at the prison operator rose 7% to $304.4 million from $284.8 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call forecast earnings, on average, of 48 cents a share. Earnings in the fourth quarter would be 55 cents to 58 cents a share, with 2005 earnings at $1.77 a share to $1.80 a share. The analysts' estimates are for 56 cents in the fourth quarter and $1.76 for 2005. Shares rose 73 cents Wednesday to $40.73.

Michaels Stores affirms 3Q profit view; sales miss (7:51 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Michaels Stores Inc.
MIK
re-affirmed Thursday its third-quarter profit view as the retailer posted a 0.8% rise in same-store sales for the period over year-ago levels. The Irving, Texas company said it still sees third-quarter earnings in the range of 36 cents to 38 cents a share on the back of total sales for the period that rose 5% to $839.7 million. The Thomson First Call average estimate is for earnings of 37 cents a share on revenue of $848.4 million. For the fourth quarter, the company continues to see earnings in the range of 88 cents to 92 cents a share, with same-store sales expected to increase between 3% and 5%. Fiscal 2005 earnings are forecast between $1.80 and $1.85 a share. The First Call average estimate is for fourth-quarter earnings of 90 cents a share and full-year earnings of $1.83. On Wednesday, the stock rose 45 cents to $33.39.

Elizabeth Arden earnings fall as sales rise 7% (7:50 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Elizabeth Arden
RDEN
on Wednesday reported first-quarter earnings of $900,000 or 3 cents a share, down from $4.8 million, or 16 cents a share. Sales rose 7.2% to $227.4 million. Revenue rose to $227.4 million from $212.2 million. A survey of analysts by Thomson First Call forecast earnings of 3 cents a share and sales of $225.8 million. The retailer set plans to buy back $40 million in stock. Elizabeth Arden said it sees second-quarter net income of $1.06-$1.11 a share and adjusted earnings of $1.09-$1.14 a share. Wall Street is expecting earnings of $1.25 a share. The company lifted its 2006 sales estimate to $980-$995 million.

Sara Lee earns top expectations, but outlook falls short (7:48 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Sara Lee
SLE
reported fiscal first-quarter earnings of $67 million, or 9 cents a share, down from $352 million, or 44 cents a share in the same period a year ago. Excluding non-recurring items, earnings would have been 34 cents a share. Revenue fell to $4.31 billion from last year's $4.4 billion. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had been expecting earnings of 27 cents a share and revenue of $4.64 billion, on average. For its second-quarter, the consumer products maker expect earnings of 25 to 30 cents a share, below analyst projections of 32 cents, and sees fiscal 2006 earnings of 97 cents to $1.07 a share, vs. analyst forecasts of $1.27 a share. The stock closed Wednesday down 17 cents at $17.48.

Finlay quarterly same-store sales rise 1.3% (7:43 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Finlay Enterprises Inc.
FNLY
said Thursday that third-quarter same-store sales, or sales from stores open at least a year, rose 1.3%. Total sales for the three months ended Oct. 29 advanced 9.9% to $183.3 million from $166.8 million a year ago. Shares of the New York-based jewelry retailer closed Wednesday at $7.60, down 15 cents.

Talbots lifts 3Q earns view to 35-36c (7:42 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The Talbots Inc.
TLB
Thursday said same-store sales slipped 0.3% in October. Total sales for the four weeks ended Oct. 29 rose 3% to $147.3 million from $143.1 million in the same period a year earlier. Looking ahead, the Hingham, Mass., women's apparel retailer lifted its outlook for the third quarter to earnings of 35 to 36 cents a share from a prior projection for a profit of 30 to 34 cents a share. The stock closed Wednesday at $27.08, up 2.7%.

Casual Male 3Q same-store sales up 3.7% (7:41 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Casual Male Retail Group Inc.
CMRG
said third-quarter same-store sales rose 3.7% and total sales rose 26% to $93.8 million. The company said it expects to report a third-quarter loss of 4-6 cents a share. A survey of analysts by Thomson First Call forecast a loss of a penny a share. Shares closed at $5.78 on Wednesday.

Nordstrom Oct same-store sales rise 6.4% (7:40 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Nordstrom Inc.
JWN
said Thursday same-store sales rose 6.4% in October over year-ago levels. Total sales for the month climbed 8.7% to $556.2 million. For the third quarter, the Seattle-based department store chain said same-store sales increased 5.9%. Total sales for the period climbed 8% to $1.7 billion. On Wednesday, the stock rose 45 cents to $35.75.

Stein Mart October same-store sales increase 1.4% (7:36 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Stein Mart
SMRT
on Thursday reported October same-store sales rose 1.4%. Total sales increased to $112.8 million from $110.1 million. The company said 162 store-days were impacted by hurricane closures in October, with a cost of $2.2 million in lost sales. Two stores in Florida and two in New Orleans remain closed. Shares rose $1.43 to $19.71 on Wednesday.

Westwood One earnings, revenue miss Street view (7:35 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Westwood One Inc.
WON
posted Thursday third-quarter net income of $21.8 million, or 24 cents a share compared with $23.2 million, or 24 cents a share in the year-ago period. The media content group said revenue fell 4.6% to $134.9 million. The Thomson First Call average estimate was for earnings of 25 cents a share on revenue of $140.4 million. Operating income for the quarter came in at $40.4 million. Looking ahead, the New York company said it is forecasting revenue growth in the low single-digit percentage range which will lead to low single-digit growth in operating income before depreciation and amortization in the fourth quarter. On Wednesday, the stock rose a penny to $18.63.

Hain Celestial posts in-line profit (7:32 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Hain Celestial Group Inc.
HAIN
Thursday reported first-quarter earnings of $7.4 million, or 20 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $6.2 million, or 17 cents a share. Sales rose 17% in the latest three months to $161.1 million from $137.6 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 20 cents a share in the September period. Looking ahead, the Melville, N.Y., maker of food and personal care products confirmed its outlook for earnings of 98 cents to $1.15 a share in fiscal 2006 on sales of $650 million and $670 million.

iPayment earns 45 cents vs. 36 cents (7:31 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- IPayment Inc.
IPMT
said Thursday that third-quarter earnings rose 26.2% to $8.1 million, or 45 cents a share, versus $6.4 million, or 36 cents a share in the same period a year ago. Revenue grew 87.6% to $175.2 million, compared to $93.4 million a year ago. The average of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for earnings per share of 47 cents. Shares of the provider of credit and debit card-based payment processing services rose $3.99 to $39.99 in trading Wednesday.

Children's Place expects Q3 earnings at 90c-91c (7:29 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The Children's Place Retail Stores Inc.
PLCE
said Thursday its same-store sales in October rose 13% from a year earlier. The Seacaucus, N.J., company said total sales for the four weeks ended Oct. 29 rose to $154.3 million from $88.1 million in October 2004. October sales included $106.3 million from The Children's Place, and $48 million from Disney Store. Sales for the third quarter increased to $441.2 million from $280.5 million. The company estimates third-quarter lost sales of about $2.3 million from stores closed as a result of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Children's Place also said it expects third-quarter earnings of 90 cents to 91 cents a share, excluding the purchase accounting for the Disney Store acquisition and certain tax benefits. The company revised its fiscal 2005 earnings forecast to $2.25 to $2.30 a share.

Dex Media swings to profit (7:27 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Dex Media, Inc. said Thursday it earned a profit of $15.6 million, or 10 cents a share in the third quarter compared to a loss of $33.7 million, or 23 cents a share a year ago. Analysts polled by Thomson First CAll ahd expected the company to earn 11 cents a shares. Third quarter revenue rose to $418.3 million from $404.8 million a year ago.

Pacific Sunwear lifts 3Q earnings view (7:27 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Pacific Sunwear of California
PSUN
Thursday said same-store sales rose 7.9% in October. Total sales for the four weeks ended Oct. 29 increased 17.4% to $88 million from $75 million in the same period a year earlier. Looking ahead, the Anaheim, Calif., casual apparel retailer lifted its outlook for the third quarter to earnings of 53 to 54 cents a share from a prior projection for a profit of 51 cents a share.

Zale October same-store sales fall a 'disappointing' 1.2% (7:26 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Jewelry retailer Zale Corp.
ZLC
said October comparable store sales fell 1.2%, which it called "disappointing" and said was the result of a delay in getting new merchandise. Zale said it's expecting a loss between 46 cents and 49 cents a share, due to the sales performance, a 3 cents a share hit from hurricanes, a 10 cents a share impairment on the closing of 30 Bailey Banks & Biddle stores, and a penny a share charge for the liquidation of inventory of the stores to be closed. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call were expecting a loss of 25 cents a share in the October quarter; it's unclear whether any of the charges were reflected in those estimates.

American Retirement swings to third-quarter profit (7:25 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- American Retirement Corp.
ACR
said it swung to a third-quarter profit of $4.1 million, or 13 cents a share. In the same period a year ago, the company posted a loss of $6.7 million, or 27 cents a share. Sales rose 11.3% to $124.8 million. Looking ahead, the company said it sees 2005 adjusted earnings in the range of 48 cents to 50 cents a share.

Conseco earnings rise 24% on operational improvements (7:20 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - Conseco Inc.
CNO
Thursday said its third-quarter net income increased 24% to $72.1 million, or 42 cents a share, from $58 million, or 36 cents a share, a year before, citing improvements in the company's distribution methods, technology, products and management. The Thomson First Call average analysts' estimate was for earnings of 44 cents a share. Total sales, as measured by new annualized premiums, rose by 9% to $80 million. On Wednesday the company's stock rose 14 cents to $20.39.

AmerisourceBergen sees FY06 earns $3.95-$4.25 a share (7:20 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- AmerisourceBergen
ABC
Thursday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $19.5 million, or 19 cents a share, down from a year-ago profit of $92 million, or 81 cents a share. On a continuing operations basis, the company earned $21.3 million, or 20 cents a share, in the September quarter. Revenue rose 4% in the latest three months to $13.92 billion from $13.37 billion in the same period a year earlier. The company said the latest results reflect a charge of 75 cents a share related to early debt retirement. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for earnings of 93 cents a share in the September period on revenue of $12.71 billion. Looking ahead, the company forecast earnings of $3.95 to $4.25 a share for fiscal 2006 with revenue growth of 6% to 8%. The stock closed Wednesday at $76.22, up 42 cents.

Harrah's Entertainment earns top expectations (7:20 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Harrah's Entertainment
HET
reported third-quarter earnings of $169 million, or 91 cents a share, vs. $118.8 million, or $1.07 a share in the same period a year ago. Excluding non-recurring items, earnings would have been $1.01 a share, topping the average analyst estimate compiled by Thomson First Call of 99 cents a share. Revenue rose to $2.33 billion from last year's $1.31 billion vs. analyst forecasts of $2.38 billion. The casino operator's stock closed Wednesday up $1.20 at $61.10.

DrugMax files to sell $107M in stock (7:20 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- DrugMax
DMAX
on Thursday registered to sell 66.6 million shares in a bid to raise about $107 million. The stock closed at $1.60 a share on Wednesday.

Chico's FAS October same-store sales up 17.9% (7:19 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Chico's FAS
CHS
said same-store sales climbed 17.9% in October from the same period a year ago. Total sales rose 33% to $359 million. Shares closed Wednesday up 1.1% at $41.20.

The Buckle October same-store sales up 4.3% (7:18 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Apparel retailer The Buckle, Inc.
BKE
said October sales rose 9.5% to $39.2 million, with same-store sales up 4.3%.

Shire Pharma loses $624 million on R&D write-down (7:16 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Basingstoke, England drugmaker Shire Pharmaceuticals
SHPGY
(UK:SHP)said it lost $624 million, or $3.74 a U.S.-listed share in the third quarter due to a $673 million write-off of the acquired Transkaryotic Therapies' research and development. Revenue rose 9% to $376 million, the maker of attention deficit disorder drugs said. Shire said 2005 earnings will be hurt by development and launch of new products, with revenue rising in the low double-digit range. Shire added it's planning to file applications for ADHD drugs SPD503 and SPD465 with the Food and Drug Administration in the first half of 2006 and planning to launch the NRP104 drug for the same condition in the U.S. in late 2006. Shire shares were last down 0.7% in London.

Comcast Corp. net income flat as revenue rises 9% (7:15 AM ET) NEW YORK (MARKETWATCH) -- Comcast Corp.
CMCSA
on Thursday reported third-quarter net income of $222 million, or 10 cents a share,about flat with the year-ago figure of $220 million, or 10 cents a share. Revenue rose 9.4% to $5.6 billion. Operating income rose to $883 million from $686 million. A survey of analysts by Thomson First Call forecast earnings of 14 cents a share and revenue of $5.58 billion. Shares rose 70 cents to $28.80 on Wednesday.

CVS third-quarter profit up 37%, in line w/ forecasts (7:14 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Drugstore and pharmacy chain CVS Corp.
CVS
said third-quarter net profit rose 37% to $252.7 million, or 30 cents a share, from the year-earlier period, in line with the average forecast of analysts polled by Thomson First Call. Revenue climbed 13.4% to $9 billion, with same-store sales up 5.7%. As of Oct. 1, CVS said 16 stores were still closed due to the hurricanes.

Bebe Stores Oct. same-store sales rise (7:13 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Bebe Stores
BEBE
said October same-store sales rose 2.1%, after rising 31% in the same period a year ago. Total sales for the month increased 11% to $39.1 million from last year's $35.4 million. Finished goods inventory at the end of the month was up 5%. The women's apparel and accessories retailer's stock closed Wednesday down 2 cents at $14.22.

Imax third-quarter profit up 26% (7:09 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Entertainment technology company Imax Corp.
IMAX
said third-quarter net profit rose 26% to $2.3 million, or 5 cents a share, from the year-earlier period. The average forecast of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for earnings of 7 cents a share on revenue of $35.9 million. Revenue rose 5% to $33.4 million.

MCI's quarterly revenue slips 5% (6:47 AM ET) WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- MCI Inc.
MCIP
reported third-quarter net income of $271 million, or 82 cents a share, a reversal from the prior year's net loss of $3.4 billion, or $10.65 a share. Results for the latest quarter reflected the continued impact of new services and cost-cutting initiatives launched in 2004, the telecom carrier said. MCI said it incurred and recorded a $164 million tax reduction in the quarter. The year-earlier loss largely stemmed from $3.5 billion in impairment charges. MCI's quarterly revenue slipped to nearly $4.47 billion from the prior year's $5.08 billion. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had been looking for revenue of $4.55 billion. MCI, which is in the process of being acquired by Verizon Communications Inc.
VZ
also said quarterly operating income of $159 million improved from $61 million in the second quarter of 2005. Shares of MCI ended unchanged at $19.83 in Wednesday's trading.

Goody's Family Oct. comp. sales up 2.5%, sees 3Q loss (6:44 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Retailer Goody's Family Clothing, Inc.
GDYS
said October sales rose 6.8% to $103 million, with same-store sales up 2.5%. The company also said it expects to report a loss in the third quarter that will be "significantly greater" than the net loss of 2 cents a share reported in the year-ago period.

Gottschalk's Oct comp sales weaker than plan; year affirmed (6:42 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Gottschalks Inc.,
GOT
the Fresno, Calif., retailer, reported weaker-than-expected same-store sales for October and affirmed its sales outlook for the fiscal year. Sales for the month increased 0.4% to $44 million from $43.8 million in the year-earlier month. same store sales -- revenue from outlets open at least a year, a key measure of the retailing economy -- fell 1.4%. For the third quarter ended Oct. 29, total sales increased 2.3% to $151.3 million from $147.9 million, while same-store sales decreased 0.5%. Gottschalk's still expects same-store sales to grow 1% to 2% for the fiscal year. In October, the company's best-performing areas were shoes, accessories, special sizes and women's apparel, while sales fell in the home division. Gottschalk's sales were unchanged at $8.82 on Wednesday.

Hornbeck Offshore's quarterly revenue jumps 41% (6:35 AM ET) WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Hornbeck Offshore Services Inc.
HOS
reported third-quarter met income of $9.4 million, or 44 cents a share, up from $3.3 million, or 15 cents, earned in the year-ago quarter. Excluding a 2-cent gain on the disposition of assets, the company came in with a profit of 42 cents for the latest quarter. Revenue reached $46.5 million from $32.9 million in the 2004 third quarter. Analysts' average estimates were for Hornbeck Offshore to earn 40 cents on revenue of $45 million, forecasts compiled by Thomson First Call show. The gains primarily reflected "strong" market conditions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico for offshore vessels, the company said. Hornbeck Offshore also said it projects fourth-quarter earnings of 41 to 46 cents a share; analysts' average view stands at 41 cents. As for 2005, profit is pegged at $1.51 to $1.56 a share, excluding a 5-cent loss on early extinguishment of debt. And for 2006, the company's shooting for $1.69 to $1.81 a share. First Call-derived average estimates are $1.45 and $1.78 a share, respectively. Shares of Hornbeck Offshore added $1.80, or 5.6%, to end Wednesday's trading at $33.86.

Aquila narrows third-quarter loss on 46% higher sales (6:33 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Aquila Inc.,
ILA
the Kansas City, Mo., electricity and natural gas utility operator, reported a narrower third-quarter loss on 46% higher revenue. The loss shrank to $75.7 million, or 20 cents a share, from $116.4 million, or 44 cents, for the year-earlier quarter. Sales were $319.8 million against $218.8 million. Aquila said its electric- and gas-utility businesses strengthened. Earnings were hurt by the costs of its remaining obligations related to its merchant business, which it is winding down, and the costs of reducing debt. Aquila's shares fell a penny to $3.37 on Wednesday.

NW natural third-quarter loss widens (6:26 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Northwest Natural Gas Company
NWN
said its third-quarter net loss widened to $8.7 million, or 31 cents a share, from $8.3 million, or 30 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. The company said it typically reports a loss in the third quarter, reflecting low summertime use of natural gas. Revenue climbed 31% to $107 million. Looking ahead, the company reiterated its outlook for 2005 earnings in the range of $2 to $2.15 a share.

ECI Telecom's quarterly net rises 3.3% (6:23 AM ET) WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- ECI Telecom Ltd.
ECIL
reported third-quarter net income of $6.2 million, up from $6 million a year earlier. Earnings per share were 5 cents in both reporting periods, while the telecommunications solutions provider's quarterly revenue reached $162.4 million from $128.5 million, up 26%. Analysts, on average, had been looking for ECI Telecom to earn 6 cents a share on revenue of $158 million, according to estimates compiled by Thomson First Call. The company also continues to expect "sequential quarterly growth" for both revenue and profit in the final three months of 2005. In addition, ECI Telecom said it anticipates its business will grow at a rate faster than the general telecom equipment sector as a whole next year. U.S.-traded shares of ECI Telecom added 6 cents to end Wednesday's trading at $7.56.

Claire's Stores estimates 3rd-period net beat forecast (6:22 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Claire's Stores Inc.,
CLE
the Pembroke Pines, Fla., retailer of costume jewelry and accessories for tweens, teens and young adults, estimated that net income for the third quarter ended Oct. 29 totaled $33 million to $35 million, or 33 cents to 35 cents a share. The consensus estimate of analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call was 32 cents. Sales for the quarter increased 10% to $327.4 million, with same-store sales -- revenue from outlets open at least a year, a key measure of the retailing economy -- rose 9%. Sales for the four weeks through Oct. 29, the end of the quarter, rose 9% to $100.4 million, with same-store sales up 8%. Claire's Stores shares rose 43 cents, or 1.7%, to $26.44 on Wednesday.

Egl third-quarter profit up 16% on higher sales (6:22 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Logistics and transportation company Egl, Inc
EAGL
said third-quarter net profit rose 16% to $19.2 million, or 40 cents a share, from the year-earlier period. Net revenue climbed 9% to $247 million. Looking ahead, the company said it sees fourth-quarter earnings in the range of 38 cents to 42 cents a share.

American Tower 3Q loss narrows, approves $750M buyback (6:16 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Wireless and broadcast communications tower operator American Tower Corp.
AMT
said its third-quarter net loss narrowed to $21 million, or 6 cents a share, from $60 million, or 27 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue rose 46% to $264.8 million. Looking ahead, the company said it sees fourth-quarter sales in the range of $298 million to $303 million. In addition, American Tower said it has approved a $750 million share buyback program.

New Century Financial profit rises, announces share buyback (6:10 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Real estate investment trust New Century Financial Corp.
NEW
said third-quarter net profit rose 12% to $120 million, or $2.04 a share, from the year-earlier period. The company said it has authorized the buyback of 5 million shares. Looking ahead, New Century reaffirmed its 2006 guidance for a dividend of $7.30 a share.

Big Lots October comparable sales up 1.3% (6:04 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Retailer Big Lots, Inc.
BLI
on Thursday said October sales rose 4.8% to $333 million, with same-store sales up 1.3%. The company said that insurance would cover damages suffered from hurricanes.

Commerzbank swings to 293M euro profit on trading (4:47 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- German bank Commerzbank(DE:803200)said it swung to a 293 million euro profit, helped by a trading profit of 217 million euros as well as loan loss provisions falling to 151 million euros from 199 million euros. Commerzbank lost 200 million euros in the year-ago quarter and had 9 million euro loss from trading in last year's third quarter. Expenses rose to 1.097 billion euros from 1.086 billion euros. Shares of the bank rose 1.2% in Frankfurt.

Volkswagen profit jumps; revenue ahead of forecast (4:34 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- German automaker Volkswagen AG(DE:766400)said third-quarter net profit climbed to 282 million euros from 76 million euros, with revenue up 12.6% to 23.86 billion euros and operating profit rising 49.6% to 586 million euros. While the operating profit figure came in below forecast, the sales were ahead of consensus. Deliveries rose 6.1% in the quarter. It held onto fiscal year guidance of improving operating profit after special items and pre-tax profit in 2005 and said it's on track for 3.1 billion euros in cost savings from its ForMotion program. VW shares were last up 1% in Frankfurt.

Imperial Chemical quarterly profit up 7%; names new CFO (2:42 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- British chemicals company Imperial Chemical Industries PLC(UK:ICI)
ICI
on Thursday said third-quarter net profit rose 7% to 98 million pounds ($174 million) from the year-ago period. Comparable sales climbed 6% to 1.41 billion pounds. Looking ahead, the company said it would have fewer trading days in the fourth quarter than last year, which is likely to have a negative effect on comparable growth. The group added that the outlook for the year remains in line with previous expectations and that it expects further material and transport cost increases in some if its key markets, which it will seek to recover through price increases. Separately, ICI said it has appointed Alan Brown as its chief financial officer, replacing Tim Scott, who died in August 2005.

Int'l Power Q3 profit more than triples (2:33 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- U.K. utility International Power PLC(UK:IPR)
R
on Thursday said third-quarter net profit more than tripled to 64 million pounds, or 3.5 pence a share, from 17 million pounds, or 1.2 pence a share, in the year-ago period on a strong contribution from recent acquisitions and an improved performance in the U.K. and the U.S. Sales more than doubled to 558 million pounds from 203 million pounds. Looking ahead, the company said it remains on track to deliver full-year earnings in line with its guidance of 12 pence to 13 pence a share.

BMW third-quarter profit falls 6.5%, holds outlook (2:29 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Luxury automaker BMW AG(DE:519000)said third-quarter net profit fell 6.5% to 448 million euros, hurt by a 175 million euro write-down on an Rolls Royce exchange bond option as well as currency factors, high raw material prices and more intense market competition. Revenue grew 10.5% to 11.72 billion euros, and the group shipped 15.4% more automobiles during the quarter to 341,932. Though the writedown had been anticipated, BMW's profit still came in at the low end of analyst forecasts. BMW held to its 2005 outlook of matching 2004's profit with high-single-digit sales volume growth.

Rentokil quarterly profit drops 21.3%, sales rise (2:23 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Britain pest control firm Rentokil Initial PLC(UK:RTO)on Thursday said third-quarter pre-tax profit from continuing operations dropped 21.3% to 53.3 million pounds ($94.6 million) from the year-ago period. Sales rose 6.6% to 564.8 million pounds. The company said trading in the quarter showed a continuation of the positive trends evident toward the end of the first half and noted that the rate of decline in operating income slowed in many areas as the rate of margin regression decelerated. Looking ahead, Rentokil said that despite tough economic conditions in a number of its markets, it expects to see a continuation of these encouraging trends in the remaining of the year and the first half of 2006.

Adidas-Salomon tops forecast with 20% profit rise (2:01 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Adidas-Salomon(DE:500340)on Thursday reported a 20.3% rise in net profit to 215 million euros, with sales up 9.4% to 1.92 billion euros, beating both sales and earnings estimates. Commenting on nine-month figures, the company said North American sales grew 17% at constant exchange rates due growth in sports performance and sports heritage division, and noted that operating expenses to sales fell 0.1% of a percentage point, as new products related to the World Cup will be launched in the fourth quarter. The company is now seeing a high-single-digit increase in revenue due to increased expectations in North America, and said net profit should rise at least 20% in 2005 and by at least 10% in 2006. The outlook excludes the impact of the Reebok
RBK
acquisition.

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